Car hire Italy

Car hire in Italy

Hiring a car in Italy

There are lots of great car companies in Italy including Thrifty, Sixt, and Hertz.

Italy has always been one of the top destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean country is the perfect place to get away from it all.

Of course Italy is famous for pizza and pasta, but if offers so much more than its cuisine with amazing architecture, delightful art and stunning landscapes.

The various regions of Italy have a very different atmosphere, with the larger cities of Milan and Rome offering the hustle and bustle, while Sicily and Venice celebrate the rich history of the country and Sardinia boasts spectacular sandy beaches.

What you need to know

Italy is a popular holiday destination so there are plenty of high-quality car hire options available meaning you will be able to find a car that meets your driving needs.

The country’s various airports also have pick-up and drop-off points for car hire, so if you do plan to tour the country you will be able to find a rental that will allow you to collect a vehicle at one location and simply return it to another.

Where to pick up your car

If arriving into one of Italy’s main airports, there are plenty of car hire suppliers on hand to provide a vehicle as soon as you arrive.

Cities across Italy, such as Milan and Rome have a wide number of car hire company suppliers, but even in smaller destinations we have a wide range of car hire suppliers.

Best Car Hire Companies Italy

Car Hire Reviews Italy

“The pick-up was easy, it took 5 minutes from arriving at the desk to driving out the car, and the return took even less time.” Diane T

Where to go

There is plenty to see in Italy and it is impossible to explore in its entirety in just one visit, but even a short trip will allow you to experience some of the unique sights and sounds of the country.

Italy is divided into 20 regions and they vary immensely in terms of culture, landscape and cuisine.

The country also has a total of 4,582 miles of coastline, extending from the sedate villages of Cinque Terre via the theme-parks of Rimini, right down to the classic sandy beaches of Puglia.

Away from the coast, Italy boasts a greener landscape, while to the north you’ll find splendid mountains and glacial lakes. Garda, Como and Maggiore are all popular destinations in winter for skiing, while in the summer they are enjoyed by keen walkers and outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Driving in Italy

Italy, like most of continental Europe, drive on the right-hand side of the road, with a national speed limit of 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways, 110 km/h (68 mph) on non-major roads and 90 km/h (56 mph) on smaller local roads.

The majority of main motorways in Italy have toll charges, which can be paid with all leading credit cards or in cash. The exact price of the toll varies depending on whether it’s a set charge or based upon the length of the route.

It is worth noting that in Italy’s larger cities there can be reduced traffic zones (zona a traffico limitato). These are special areas that are closed to unauthorised vehicles, so if you do accidentally wander into them then you risk being fined.

Away from the inner city areas, Italy’s rural roads offer a more sedate experience and pass through some of Europe’s most picturesque scenes.

Longer drives

One of the benefits of Italy is the large number of attractions to head to. If you fancy taking a drive to discover the hidden areas of the country, there are plenty of options.

Keen drivers may want to take a trip along the Amalfi Coast road - often described as one of the world’s best routes. It covers 50km (30 miles) and connects Sorrento city to the village of Amalfi. The road has a number of hairpin bends and is very narrow in places, however, it does offer some breathtaking views over the surrounding area and sea.

Top attractions in Italy

There are plenty of must-see destinations in Italy, but here are some of the most popular cities to visit during your holiday.

Rome

Italy’s capital has a vibrant history that can be seen in virtually every street and it is a must for anyone interested in history.

Rome has stood for more than 2,500 years and two of the main attractions celebrating the rich culture of Italy are the Colosseum and the Forum. There are also numerous places of worship throughout the city, dating from the Byzantine to baroque eras, that will appeal to those who appreciate architecture.

However, Rome is not just a strong historic destination, it also boasts a great cafe culture and there are plenty of designer boutiques to be found in the Piazza di Spagna area of the city.

Milan

Milan is well-known for its fashion industry and its influence can be seen on catwalks around the world.

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper painting remains in the city - despite attempts to destroy it during the Second World War. Other masterpieces that call Milan home are Caravaggio's Basket of Fruit in the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and his Supper at Emmaus which can be found in Pinacoteca Brera.

Naples

Naples is not the first place people think of when visiting Italy, but it is the perfect destination for foodies.

The city is regarded as the birthplace of pizza and there is no better place to enjoy an authentic slice. You can also discover a whole host of traditional southern Italian dishes including the local speciality of sfogliatella - a flaky pastry that is filled with ricotta cheese and candied citron.